Mexico Title Insurance

In Mexico title insurance is optional but it is an important contract and is widely seen as a sensible idea.

Title insurance can be purchased at the time of closing on a property or after and there are two types: title insurance available on the land (US Style) and title insurance available on just the Fideicomiso (Bank Trust).

Title insurance will protect you against any other previously unforeseen liens, judgements or legal problems that are brought against the property before you took possession of the title deed. This is especially relevant if your purchase was once ejido owned land and it also ensures the ownership rights held by fideicomiso.

A title insurance policy will cover problems that may arise from a discovery on the public records or any non-recorded defects that are not held or discovered in public records. It protects the insured for as long as they have an interest in the property, but it will also protect their heirs and devisees for as long as they hold title to the property.

There are three steps to obtaining Mexico title insurance, firstly a title company reviews the legal state of the property, secondly, the seller signs over the title with a notary (notario publico) and thirdly, the Registro Publico de la Propiedad - recording office - records transfers of title, liens, claims etc on the property and investigates the accuracy of the seller’s claim.

If the office verifies the title to be legally sellable, the notario receives the certified assurance that there are no debts or hindrances on the property and the purchaser officially becomes holder of the title. This procedure is taken very seriously in Mexico in that the notario could be held civilly and criminally liable.

Title insurance is an affordable contract to have normally, it usually runs about $5 to $8 for every $1,000 of property value. With Mexico title insurance on offer from reputable companies such as Stewart Title Insurance, First American and Fidelity National Finance you are sure to find a completive quote. But be sure to read the policy and the type of insurance the company are offering and determine the exact coverage.

At Investment Properties Mexico we can help find the best option for your particular needs. Contact us for more information or visit our real estate guides for more on Mexico title insurance.

Living In Mexico: Bringing Pets

Many people who spend long periods of time living in Mexico like to bring their pets, some people like their pets to accompany them on vacation. If you are thinking of taking your dog or cat into Mexico there are a few steps you should take in advance.

Your pet’s immunization shots should be in date, and you will need the following documentation; proof of vaccines against rabies and distemper administered at least 15 days before the pet's arrival, and a certificate of good health from your vet issued up to 10 days before entry to Mexico.

In some cases you may not be asked to produce these documents, however it would be advisable to have them to hand. There is no quarantine period in Mexico, but after living in Mexico your pet will need to have a rabies vaccination to get back into the US (if over three months old). You are allowed to enter Mexico with up to two cats or two dogs. If you wish to bring more animals into Mexico it is advisable to contact your nearest consulate office or the Mexican embassy.

If you are bringing your pet by air, check with your airline operator about restrictions on weight and size of the pets they allow on flights.

Other common pets can be taken living in Mexico with you if you have a certificate of good health, animals such as rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets are accepted. The importation of reptiles and invertebrates is restricted as well as snails, fish and wildlife products. There may be case by case exceptions; if you need questions answering you can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

If you wish to bring your bird to be living in Mexico with you, then you can import it as a pet as long as you comply with APHIS (Animal and Public Health Information System) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife requirements. This may include quarantining your bird or birds, at your expense, at one of the three APHIS Animal Import Centers. You must make advance reservations at the quarantine facility.

If you know before you go and plan ahead you will not face any unexpected costs or delays for your journey and you and your pets will have a stress free trip. They’ll be happy when they arrive, whether on vacaction with you or living in Mexico.

Visit our Moving to Mexico guide pages for more about Living in Mexico.

Living In Mexico: Sending Money

When living in Mexico you may need to know how to send or receive money, how long funds take to clear, and what are the safety and security implications.

It's also important to know about any service charges and there are several options that are available; this guide will assist you in finding the right one for your situation.

If you or your family are spending time in Mexico for a longer period of time than the standard one or two week vacation it may be worth having a structure in place so a money transfer can be made at short notice. Parents find this particularly comforting if their children are exploring the country.

With an ATM card you can access your money from any cash point while living in Mexico, although do check with your bank before leaving what charges will occur as these vary from bank to bank. If you are worried about having a lot of money in your checking account and carrying your debit card while travelling a pre-loaded debit card may be the solution, ideal for those on a budget or parents wanting to keep an eye on the spending of offspring enjoying a spring break or summer vacation in Mexico.

This card works like any other ATM card, however it is loaded with a specific amount of funds, once all the money has been used the card can be easily loaded with more funds from your checking account, but once the funds have gone the card it will no longer have access to ATM money until more money has been issued.

Open an account with a bank when you are living in Mexico that has branches in your home country too; this is the best way to ensure speedy transfers between accounts.

There are also internet companies such as xoom.com and xe.com that offer to send money online from funds deducted from your checking account, PayPal or credit card to be deposited in the recipient's bank account or for them to collect from banks such as Banorte, Bancomer, HSBC or even Soriana supermarkets.

With 8,035 cash pick up locations throughout Mexico offered by xoom.com, money available in an account in as little time as an hour, and cash collections ready within 24 hours, this is a great option. You can even send money to Mexico if you are not close to a bank yourself.

Fees vary depending on the method and amount used, and maybe even where you are living in Mexico. However, they are very competitive. Another online banking method very similar to this is offered by Western Union, they can also deliver money to an address in certain parts of Mexico.

The number one rule is not to panic if a situation arises and your friend or loved one needs money sent to Mexico in an hurry. This can be done quickly and relatively hassle free, but of course it will be subject to a service fee.

Visit the guide pages on our website for more about living in Mexico.

Baja California Real Estate Celebrates Security Cooperation

Baja California real estate owners will be celebrating a report from CNN last week, that reported tourists crossing the border at Baja can expect more police support from a new protection task force.

CNN said “Officials from the Baja California cities of Tijuana, Ensenada and Rosarito gathered to announce the creation of the task force, which will be made up of bilingual officers and which will be designed primarily to serve Americans.”

Although there is no news as yet on when the task force will be rolled out, the San Diego police force has spoken and said they would extend their help in any way necessary to support the task force, including the training of officers.

The officers, although no word on how many as yet, will patrol a stretch of 50 miles (80km) in Mexico’s most north-west state, from Tijuana through Las Playas Rosarito, to Ensenada in the Baja California real estate zone.

The Mayor of Tijuana, Jorge Ramos, said in a news conference earlier this month "We're here on this side of the border to invite you to our city and to [show you] we're making a lot of things ... better, and to make some progress in our city."

With reports from CNN that Americans make up 80 percent of the $13 billion USD tourist industry in Mexico it is encouraging to see Mexico is making moves to try and ensure a safe trip across the border. This wil indirectly affect Baja California real estate which is largely dependent on tourism too.

With fears for the region's reputation due to media reports about drug violence, the patrol force may be the answer to encourage more people to cross the border knowing they are going to be well protected.

This can only be good news for local industry and hotels south of the border that is struggling to recover from lower tourist numbers, as well as Baja California real estate.

Great Time To Fly To Mexico

With the winter around the corner and that blue feeling starting to kick in, now could be a great time to take a short break to Mexico.

Airlines such as Mexicana are introducing a daily service from New York to Monterrey and Guadalajara from £129 USD. Maybe it's the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you are longing to hear the sound of the ocean and feel the warm sun, you could find your perfect Pacific paradise at a great price, Aeromexico are offering one way flights to Acapulco from $180 USD.

If fishing is your sport how tempting would a short break to Puerto Vallarta be from $223 USD. Also Aeromexico has great deals on family tickets, offering a buy three tickets at full price get one free, or buy four and get one more free offer to destinations in Mexico such as Cancun, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Los Cabos, Monterrey and more.

There are also many offers to be snapped up booking hotels in Mexico.

Riu in Playa Del Carmen is offering two free child places and airport transfers included with very competitive prices, the Westin resort in Cancun is offering rooms from $83 USD per night, Dreams hotel group are offering double room and all inclusive stay for $90 USD per night, and Iberostar Playa Parisio Riviera Maya are taking bookings at $93USD per night in comparison to a standard room rate of $314 – a massive 70 percent saving.

These are just a hand full of the savings on offer, numerous web sites and travel companies have stay two nights get third free or stay four nights get fifth free offers too.

With bargains and sales plentiful and the dollar being so strong against the peso - $1 USD being around 13 pesos in comparison to $1 USD being the equivalent value to 10 pesos this time last year - there is no better time to take your next trip to Mexico!

Living In Mexico: Car Hire and Driving

Driving is a really great way to see the country, wherever your trip may take you when visiting or living in Mexico.

From the miles of white sandy beaches, the ancient Aztec and Maya ruins, snow-capped volcanoes or lively vibrant cosmopolitan cities. From fiestas to siestas, you can plan your trip uniquely with a hire car and be right there driving and experiencing this vibrant country.

As part of planning your trip you should prepare for a different style of driving. Here are some tips to help you have a safe and pleasurable journey:

A left turn signal can be an invitation to pass, trucks and buses use them regularly. When in doubt though do not pass. For the same reason, do not use your left turn signal in a two way road when you are about to pass.

There are many Pemex gas stations, but they do not open all night so never pass up a chance to refuel. Washrooms are of a reasonable standard, be prepared to tip a peso or two to attendants.

Beware of topes - Mexican for speed bumps. These are normally situated when you are approaching a town or a village and are very effective at traffic management. When you see a topes sign slow right down, sometimes there are no signs but they are normally painted yellow to help you along. They are very unforgiving on vehicles and are there for a reason, so slow down.

You must have to have Mexican car insurance; overseas policies are not recognized in Mexico.

Always carry your driving license, passport or some proof of identification as well as the insurance policy for the vehicle and vehicle registration. If you are stopped by the police stay calm and polite, and present the requested documentation. The Mexican Government has seriously clamped down on bribes to police officers, so do not try to pay your way out.

Mexico boasts all the leading car hire companies; Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Avis and many private rental companies.

Nearly all these can be booked online in advance, so your hire car is one less thing to worry about when you land or if you are living in Mexico.

Visit our real estate website for more information about retiring or living in Mexico.

Baja Real Estate Thriving

Although construction has slowed in the US to the north, in Mexico, in Baja real estate, financing for luxury properties is moving ahead and buildings are flying up.



Reporting on the trend, British consumer advice website, Buy Association, said this week that American developer CDDG has received approval to finance the construction of The Residences project in Baja California.

They said Banorte, one of the top banks in Mexico, funded the deal, confident that the Baja real estate market will only continue to attract visitors and homeowners in coming years.

The Residences will be a beachfront condominium, villa and penthouse complex. Amongst the luxury features will be six spas, two swimming pools and a nine-hole putting green.



Banorte is also working with impressive Baja real estate project La Elegancia, a 19-story tower with rooftop pool and movie theater. They hope to complete construction within one year and already some 65 percent of the project's 109 units have been sold.

Other Baja real estate developments recently given the green light include Naos, a 20-story "green" tower in the Riviera Baja region; Palacio del Mar, a 10-acre beachfront property; and Entremar, the first high rise in Ensenada.

Visit our website's destinations section for more about Baja real estate.

iPhone Navigates Mexico By Satellite

Satellite navigation provider, TomTom, launched a Mexico map iPhone application, this week.

Elias Kabeche, Area Director Latin America for TomTom, said that iPhone users in Mexico, "can now benefit from the same easy-to-use and intuitive interface, turn-by-turn spoken navigation and unique routing technology”.

The TomTom app for iPhone 3G and 3GS users includes maps of Mexico from Tele Atlas, and is available to download from the iPhone app store or TomTom website for $59.99.

Features include navigation software with fast route planning and voice instructions, automatic re-routing if a turn is missed and route demo or map of route when trip planning.

The product is easy to use and personalize and has a user interface fully optimized with iPhone. Multiple display options include landscape and portrait navigation view and a night and day color mode for optimized screen visibility in varying light conditions.

Currently, about 30 million portable navigation device owners worldwide use TomTom products.

Mazatlan Real Estate Up To 35% Cheaper

Speaking ahead of a promotional event in Seattle next week, Antonio Ibarra, Minister of Tourism for the Mexican state of Sinaloa, said that Mazatlan real estate prices had fallen as much as 35% and offer an attractive investment opportunity for American buyers.

He said, "Thousands of American citizens have chosen Mexico as a way to stretch retirement income ... the Mexican economy has resulted in luxury villa to condominium prices that are 35% under market values."

Sinaloa's Ministry of Tourism and Development will host Vive Mazatlan at Seattle's Grand Hyatt Hotel on Thursday, October 29. The event will look at the current recession and the opportunities it has created in Mazatlan real estate as well as other Mexican markets.

Mazatlan, one of the most important ports on the Pacific coast, is located in the southern region of the state of Sinaloa. It is known as the Pearl of the Pacific because of its beautiful beaches and its abundant marine life.

Vive Mazatlan will feature cuisine and entertainment from Sinaloa, Mexico, along with an overview of investment and retirement prospects.

Visit our investment property pages for more about Mazatlan real estate.

Celebrities Flock To Mexico

It’s been a great week for star-spotting in Mexico. Rock legends, U2, have been relaxing in the Riviera Maya, Britney Spears has been on vacation in Ixtapa and Brazilian supermodel, Alessandra Ambrosio, was out in her bikini in Los Cabos.

Bono from U2 was in Cancun and Playa del Carmen for 4 days, along with other band members, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr., as well as their manager, Paul McGuinness.

Britney Spears caused a stir amongst gossip writers when she was spotted on the beach in a black bikini at Ixtapa, on the Mexican Riviera. They chattered eagerly about her rekindling romance in the dreamy destination and even spread rumors that she may be planning to get married.

And on the weekend, Alessandra Ambrosio was seen enjoying a day at the beach in Los Cabos, with her fiance Jamie Mazur. The Brazilian beauty was said to flaunt her fabulous bikini body while relaxing on the sand with her man.

With some of the best deals ever for flights and vacation packages to Mexico at the moment, tourism is picking up fast and will continue to do so into the winter high season.

Whether looking for celebrities or investment real estate in Mexico, now is a great time to visit.

Dell Moves Production To Mexico

Computer manufacturer, Dell, said last week that they would close their plant in North Carolina and move production to Mexico.

The Boston Herald newspaper said that according to a federal document, the work that has been done at Dell’s Winston-Salem factory will be given to third-party providers in Mexico and other countries.

Company officials also told weekly paper, the Austin Business Journal, that the move to Mexico is "simplifying operations and improving efficiency." Dell has been attempting to reduce annual operating costs by $4 billion.

Dell becomes the latest multinational company to move production to Mexico or increase existing production. As one of the world’s strongest emerging economies, Mexico offers an exceptional return on investment.

As the global economy continues to recover, overseas investment is flowing to emerging markets in search of strong returns - be they in businesses or property.

The Mexico investment property market is already showing strong signs of growth. The savvy investor knows that now is the time to get in, before prices really start to take off.

Visit our real estate pages for more about Mexico investment.

Tulum Airport: $544 Million, Competition Heats Up

Sources in the Mexican government and law firm, Basham Ringe and Correa, told Milenio newspaper last week that the investment needed for the new Riviera Maya International Airport in Tulum will be $544 million.

In the same week, competition to bid for the contract heated up, as Cancun airport operator, ASUR, confirmed it would be entering the competition.

The sources told the Mexican national daily that the first phase of the contract would require $314 million and then another $230 million would be required for “complementary works”.

ASUR, which operates nearby Cancun and Cozumel airports, as well as 7 others in the south-east of Mexico, had said it considers the new airport unnecessary, but confirmed last week that it would still enter the bidding competition, which will be launched next month.

The Milenio reported that feasibility studies say that the construction can start in the first months of 2010 with a time to completion of 3 to 4 years, ready for operation in 2013 or 2014.

They also confirmed that the new Tulum airport will have a capacity for 700,000 passengers in its first year.

Although the number of jobs that will created to build the new Tulum airport is not confirmed, the government estimates that some 30,000 workers will be required, the paper said.

Politicians and business people locally hope that the airport will provide the "economic trigger" to make Tulum one of the most affluent parts of the Mexican Caribbean.

The heavy public investment has had an affect on the price of Tulum real estate and the number of overseas real estate developers in the area has boomed.

Great opportunities are available in land and property and with the massive growth of tourism in Tulum and the Riviera Maya set to continue, now is an excellent moment to invest in Tulum real estate.

FedEx Mexico Shipping Facilities Expanded

FedEx, the world’s largest express transportation company, yesterday announced the completion of its warehouse expansion at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco, Mexico.

Measured by GDP, Guadalajara is one of the 10 largest cities in Latin America. The newly upgraded facilities will provide better express transport to industries in the area such as electronics, textiles and pharmaceuticals.

Owners of Mexican Riviera real estate - one of the fastest growing markets for overseas investors - will also be able to take advantage of the new facilities for the faster sending and receiving of shipments and packages to and from home.

Michael L. Ducker, executive vice president, International at FedEx Express, said, “These substantial network expansions are well-timed. As an economic recovery begins to take hold around the world, FedEx is well-positioned to connect our customers to opportunities in the global marketplace."

The storage space has almost been doubled from 42,657 square feet (3,963 sqm) to 84,711 square feet (7,870 sqm) and is a “bonded warehouse”, meaning it can legally store goods on which the duties are unpaid.

FedEx said the facilities offer better custom clearance services and a greater capacity for shipment processing. They will support shipping internationally or domestically for businesses of any size and the warehouse forms a hub allowing access to 10 Mexican states.

Visit our destinations pages to find out more about the area and Mexican Riviera real estate.

New Toll Road To Benefit Mazatlan Real Estate

The Mexican government approved a deal for the new 4 billion peso ($306 million) Pacifico Norte toll road concession this week.

IDEAL, a company controlled by billionaire Carlos Slim, will build, operate and maintain 150 miles (242 km) of the new highway network in northern Mexico, connecting the cities of Culiacan and Mazatlan.

The improved infrastructure will reduce journey times and make traveling to Mazatlan more comfortable, to the benefit of the Mazatlan real estate market.

Slim, the world’s third-richest man according to Forbes magazine, has invested heavily in infrastructure projects and has encouraged Mexico’s government to invest more in transport projects to create jobs.

Visit our destination pages for more about Mazatlan real estate.

Capacity Doubled At Cancun Airport

Cancun airport’s new second runway was officially unveiled to thousands of people this week.

Part of a $67 million infrastructure project including a new control tower and taxiway bridge, the investment doubles the airport’s capacity to 28 million passengers per year.

In a move that will boost the Cancun real estate market, the new 2,625 yard (2,400m) runway makes Cancun the first airport in Mexico that can handle simultaneous takeoffs and landings on two runways, doubling its capacity from 40 to 80 flights per hour.

The impressive new giant control tower is among the 20 tallest in the world, measuring more than 315 feet (96m) in height, helping to make the allocation of runway slots more efficient.

The total terminal area has more than doubled now, from 170,600 square feet (15,849 sqm) to 387,140 square feet (35,966 sqm), making it one of the largest Cancun real estate projects ever.

An important stimulus to the local economy, in the last nine years, more than $361 million have been invested at Cancun airport.

Cancun international airport is operated by ASUR, a Mexican company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. ASUR is also expected to compete for the contract to build and operate the new Tulum airport.

For more information on the area visit our Cancun real estate pages.

Mexican Airline Joins OneWorld Alliance

The airline Mexicana, one of the leaders in the Mexican and Central American market, will join the OneWorld alliance on November 10, said Spanish airline and alliance member, Iberia, last month.

In a move that will make Mexico even cheaper and easier to fly to, Iberia said it is sponsoring Mexicana in an entry process that has taken a year and a half, ensuring Mexicana complies with the requirements of the alliance.

The Spanish airline also said that Mexicana's smaller domestic offshoots, MexicanaLink and MexicanaClick, will also be incorporated as affiliate members.

For Mexicana, joining OneWorld will strengthen its competitive offering and its financial position. For OneWorld, the incorporation of Mexican destinations will extend the network of the alliance in Mexico and Central America.

Expanding its position as the leading airline alliance in the Hispanic community, OneWorld now brings together American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, American Eagle, Dragonair, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru.

The addition of a Mexican airline is expected to give the alliance a massive boost since Mexico is now the eleventh most populous country in the world, the thirteenth world economy and the eighth most popular tourist destination, attracting more than 21 million foreign visitors each year.

OneWorld, which already flew to 13 airports in Mexico, will launch 26 new destinations to its map, 24 in Mexico plus Edmonton in Canada and Oakland in the U.S. bringing the total destinations in Latin America to nearly 150 and about 700 cities in 150 countries worldwide.

OneWorld, with a fleet of two thousand 250 aircrafts, more than 8,000 flights a day, 32 million passengers and annual revenue of $100,000 million, will be able to offer their custumers more choices and benefits, more lounges, and better customer service support.

From November 10, members of Mexicana's frequent flier program may earn and redeem miles on all flights with members of OneWorld. The cardholders for MexicanaGo Conquer and Explore, will have Emerald and Sapphire status respectively, so they will have access to 550 airport lounges. All program members will soon receive MexicanaGo, the new loyalty program cards, bearing the OneWorld Logo, so they can fully enjoy the benefits of the alliance.

Also from that date, holders of frequent flyer programs of airlines that are already members of the alliance may accumulate and use points, as well as receive all other OneWorld benefits when flying with Mexicana and its affiliates.

Visit our information pages for more about Mexico transport.

New Mexico Health Care Card Launched

International insurance giant, AXA, announced the launch of a new Mexico health care card, last week, offering discounted medical bills and financial support for hospital expenses.

The move serves US policy-makers as an example of how the private sector can help provide Mexico health care, at a time when the USA's own medical insurance system is under debate.

In a report by Mexican newspaper, El Economista, Guillermo Barraza, Director of Health for AXA Seguros in Mexico, said the new health card was aimed at a massive segment of the Mexico health care market totalling some 12 million families.

The new AXA Contigo card will cost 400 pesos ($30) per year and provide financial support of up to 5,000 pesos ($380) per hospitalization as well as preferential tariffs for medical services, 24/7 phone support and cover for two ambulance services per year.

Similar health "discount" cards already exist in Mexico, with products already being offered by VRIM, Sanborns and a number of regional Mexico health care companies.

The attraction of Mexico health care is already a major influence for US retirees looking to buy a home in the sun and the news is encouraging for the many thousands of foreigners that move or retire to Mexico every year.

Medical service prices are already very low in Mexico and health care cards can further reduce the costs. The new AXA Contigo card, for example, gives up to 30% off pharmacy prices, 20% off dental charges and 15% off at opticians.

As US health care continues to hit the headlines and prices continue to increase, many US citizens are already taking advantage of the low-cost, high-quality medical facilities across the border to the south. A trend that is set to continue and in the future it may even be possible to claim Medicare and Medicaid benefits in Mexico.

Investment Properties Mexico can help you make the move to Mexico, visit our Living in Mexico section for more about Mexican health insurance or Mexico health care.

Massive Mexico Expansion By Holiday Inn

International hotel chain, Holiday Inn, said last month it plans a massive expansion of 48 new hotels in Mexico.

Talking to Mexican newspaper, El Economista, the company's president for the Americas region, Jim Abrahamson, said 16 of the new Mexico hotel properties would be branded Holiday Inn and 32 would be Holiday Inn Express.

"We're noticing that despite the flu outbreak that occurred in Mexico, there was a great strength in the business and domestic tourism markets, that have now recovered almost to their levels before the infection," he said.

Holiday Inn already has 86 properties in Mexico and the 48 new hotels will open in the next 3 to 4 years.

Around the world, three people check into a Holiday Inn every second and it is one of the world’s most recognized hotel brands, with a reputation for low prices at convenient locations.

Holiday Inn was originally launched in 1952. Today, the brand family is undergoing a global relaunch, expected to be complete by the end of 2010.

Holiday Inn says the plan is to "improve quality and service levels, and drive consistency, creating a new, more contemporary brand image at all Holiday Inn hotels around the world."

Mexico Sets Standard For Mile High Calls

After the Mexican government lifted a ban on using cellphones on board flights last month, Mexico's largest airline, Aeromexico, said it will let passengers make calls on all its planes.

The eight year ban was quashed after the Mexican Communications and Transport Secretariat discussed the topic with engineers, pilots, safety consultants, passengers and flight crews.

The result: Mexico is now setting global standards for the use of cellphones in aeroplanes.

For safety reasons, Aeromexico said their flight crew can halt calls if necessary and cellphones will connect to their own special onboard network, thus not interfering with pilot communication.

There are suggestions that British Airways could follow suit with a trial of voice calls using the OnAir mobile communication system installed on its transatlantic Airbus A318s.

And there is also interest from budget airlines like Europe's Ryanair, who have said they are good to go, and giants like the Dubai-based Emirates airline are already allowing cellular phone calls.

It may only be a matter of time before using a cellphone on a plane is as common as using one on any other form of transport. Maybe wifi for your laptop will be next too? Wifly?!

Cancun To Submerge World's Largest Underwater Museum

Four sculptures in human forms, made of concrete, will be submerged in November into the Mexican Caribbean near Cancun.

The West Coast National Park that receives almost 300,000 tourists annually will eventually have 400 figures that will comprise the world's largest underwater museum, adding yet another attraction to the long list that already appeals to those buying Cancun real estate.

Each sculpture will be man-sized with a base of four square meters. There will be theme based galleries, such as an army of Mayan indigenous warriors and dream catchers based on messages in bottles.

With the famed underwater sculpturer Jason de Caires Taylor directing the team, this will surely be a magnificent sight.

The National Park director Jamie González calculates that by April 2010 there will be some 250 sculptures in the underwater museum. The total cost of the project is about $350,000.

This follows on from a project in 2005 when 110 hollow domes and concrete structures where submerged on park property to create an artificial habitat in the area known as Sac Bajo. A project that was partly in response to a cruise ship damaging precious coral reefs in the area. After a few years it was a top attraction.

The West Coast National Park of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc has a challenge to divert tourists away from natural habitats that are threatened without losing the $36 million the visitors bring into the area each year.

The museum's objective is to attract tourists in order to reduce damage on natural habitat in other areas. "The underwater museum will draw many tourists, allowing us to give a rest to the natural reefs. It's like a restoration process," National Park director, Jaime González, explained.

Preserving the reef and natural underwaters attractions in the area will help maintain the appeal of Cancun real estate, many property buyers come for the snorkeling, diving or other water activities.

Once the underwater museum opens, it will require divers to gain previous experience in artificial habitats, this will eliminate damage from tanks and fins. Also, all tourists will be required to wear life jackets for buoyancy while snorkelling to avoid submerging and crushing the coral.

Following these precautions the park will help extend the lifespan of the coral, and the protection of the area’s white sandy beaches that the Cancun real estate market is famed for. Amazingly humans are restoring the damage mankind has done to nature.

New Emerging Market Index Supports Mexico Investment

Europe's largest bank, HSBC, launched a new Emerging Market Index (EMI) yesterday, a move that will support Mexico investment.

The index follows the performance of Mexico and 12 other emerging markets that are on the path to fast becoming fully developed economies.

HSBC stressed the growing global importance of emerging markets such as Mexico. They said the launch of the index underscores "the growing economic influence of emerging nations" and that they are "leading the global economic recovery".

The creation of the new index will help international investors and fund managers gauge the performance of emerging markets more accurately and reliably.

The increased transparency of the new, politically independent yardstick will boost investor confidence and support investment in countries such as Mexico.

Growing optimism about the global economy has led many to realize that now is the time to invest in emerging markets and foreigners have been rushing to invest in Mexico.

The Mexico investment real estate market is already showing strong signs of growth and the wise investor knows that now is the time to buy, before the upturn really start to take off.

Visit our real estate pages to find out more about how you can benefit from Mexico investment.

Nayarit Real Estate Top For Private Investment

Nayarit is Mexico's top state for private investment, reported local news website, Banderas News, last week.

Quoting Nayarit's Secretary of Tourism, Edwin Hernandez, they said more than $655 million have been invested in the state so far in 2009.

Examples of investment in Nayarit real estate and tourism include the St. Regis Hotel, Hotel Dreams Villamagna and the Marina Riviera Nayarit.

The Hotel Grand Luxxe Nayarit real estate project is also expected to be completed in 2010, along with renovations to the Grand Mayan Hotels, Mayan Palace and The Sea Garden.

Hernandez said that condo hotels promoted by the state government have also played an important role in driving private funds to Nayarit.

The surge in investment in Riviera Nayarit real estate highlights the area as one of the hottest markets in the Mexican Riviera today.

Visit out Mexican Riviera pages for more about Nayarit real estate.

$54 Million Mexico City Real Estate Deal

A massive Mexico City real estate deal was announced yesterday by Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

The New York Stock Exchange listed real estate investment trust (REIT), said it had signed an agreement to sell its Four Seasons Mexico City hotel to Meridia Capital for a gross price of $54.0 million, equivalent to $225,000 per room.

Laurence Geller, the fund's Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are very pleased to announce this sale at an attractive price in an extremely difficult environment."

He said the current state of the Mexico City real estate market meant they had competition for the deal from new or under-construction properties.

The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the REIT expects to make a book gain of $4.5 million on the property.

Visit our special property market pages to find out more about Mexico City real estate.

Ejido Land Offers Opportunities In Mexico

Ejido land offers some great real estate investment opportunities in Mexico. It is communal agricultural land owned by the federal government but used by local communities for agriculture.

Foreigners that take care to understand the legal process can buy this land from members of the ejidos ("ejidatarios").

Ejido members are permitted and required to use and work the land, but could not sell, lease or use the land for collateral until January 27th, 1992, when a new Agrarian Law was passed allowing the privatization and sale of ejido land.

Every day more people are hearing about ejidos and are getting familiar with ejido processes and formalities. In fact, ejidos represent a very interesting topic for investors in real estate and tourism because a considerable amount of land in Mexico belongs to ejidos, and an important amount of these ejidos are located in coastal areas.

Even some of the land that will be used for the new Tulum airport was originally ejido land.

The right to use this type of land can be purchased, but is sometimes a risky deal, so it is important to understand that ejido titles can only be sold or transferred to other members of the ejido community.

Individual ejido members must obtain a full title through the "Domino Pleno" process before the title can be transferred to a foreign buyer. If this doesn't happen any ejido land you buy will not be your property, you will only be allowed to use it.

Ejido members can acquire ownership to the land they hold via a process called PROCEDE (Procedimiento de Certificación de Derechos Ejidales / Procedure for Certification of Ejido Rights).

By means of PROCEDE each part of ejido land is surveyed then numbered and assigned to each ejido member via titles or certificates. They can then start the second part of the process called Dominio Pleno.

Ejido members have the land title after this two part process is complete and can then transfer the land to anyone including foreigners.

Benefits of PROCEDE to ejido members include being able to: Assign their rights between members of ejido; Inherit their ejido rights; Enter into long term (30 years, renewable) association agreements with third parties; and acquire full ownership and title to solares (lots) and transfer them to any third party without restrictions.

Contact us now if you are interested in finding out more about Mexico land and ejidos.

Americans May Have Access To Mexico Health Care

Americans may be able to use their Medicare and Medicaid insurance to access Mexico health care within one year, reported Bloomberg news yesterday.

The move would make Mexico real estate even more attractive to Americans looking to buy homes and retire south of the border.

Bruno Ferrari, chief executive officer of Promexico, Mexico's foreign investment agency, told the news service that "authorities are interested" in the idea.

He said ten US and Canadian companies have shown an interest in building Mexico health care facilities for Americans looking for low cost treatment.

With the US health care debate heating up, the Mexican health care system is hitting the headlines and more Americans are opting for 'medical tourism'.

"This would be a great opportunity for the industry in this country ... There are developers interested in creating new cities," said Ferrari.

According to Promexico, some forms of health care in the US can cost 12 times as much as in Mexico.

Figures from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services predict total spending by the insurance programs will amount to $889.1 billion in 2009, about a third of all health care spending in the US.

Some are surprised by the extremely high standards of health care in Mexico, but when they realize that many of the top Mexican medical staff are trained in US universities and hospitals, the reasons become obvious.

Many health insurance companies already offer policies to foreigners buying homes in Mexico and the Mexican government's IMSS health care program is also available with excellent basic cover at a very low price.

Visit our 'Living or Retiring' section for more information about Mexico health care.

New York Times Loves Riviera Maya Real Estate

"It's Close to Cancún, but Only in Miles", read the headline of an article about Riviera Maya real estate in yesterday's New York Times.

The Big Apple's top daily paper was preaching the area's virtues after their reporter, Jim Atkinson, made a trip to check out the attractions and find out why real estate has performed so well here.

"Over the last 15 years, as Cancún’s growth has begun to max out, vacationers and retirees have looked to the Riviera Maya, the 100-mile stretch of blue-green Caribbean and bleached white sand that stretches south to Tulum", said the article.

During Atkinson's trip he interviewed local real estate professionals and American homeowners along Mexico's favorite Caribbean coastline and found it to be "a kind of anti-Cancún".

"That resort town, Mexico’s most famous, is all about the vertical, the high density, the buzz and the next margarita," he wrote, "The Riviera, though, is about the horizontal (resorts can’t be more than four stories), low density (developers can build on only 5 percent of their land), environmental sustainability, diving the world’s second-longest barrier reef (after the Great Barrier in Australia) and climbing the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba."

As well as interviewing owners at the plush Mayakoba development, the New York Times also spoke with Paul Ilg, 75, and his wife, Geri, 69, of Clarkston, Michigan, who bought a modest condo in the Playa del Carmen real estate market in 1999 for $79,000. 10 years later, it's worth $180,000.

"This kind of value is another reason that the American contingent here may be the only truly happy American homeowners I’ve spoken to lately", Atkinson said.

The paper's special "Great Homes and Destinations" report finished with a look at Tulum real estate (calling it "the newest boomtown") and nearby Bacalar, in the south of the Riviera Maya.

The writer explained that as well as stunning natural beauty and the "endless beach", the area also benefits from the Mexican government’s emphasis on safety and health care in and around Cancun.

The New York Times pointed out that most of violence reported in the press takes place on the other side of the country in border towns and that medical treatment here can cost half as much as in the US.

The report finished with a quote from Ray Graham, 74, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, who was relaxing at his own piece of Riviera Maya real estate, "We like it out here," he said, "It's away from all that in Cancún. Away from everything."

To find out more about why the New York Times loved the area so much, read the full article or visit our section on Riviera Maya real estate.

Riviera Maya Airport Land Signed Over

Land set aside for the new Riviera Maya international airport in Tulum has been officially signed over to the Mexican Federal Government, it was announced, last Friday.

In an article in the Mexican government's Official Daily Journal, Salvador Vega Casillas, Director of the Civil Service Secretariat, said ownership of 3,170 acres (1,283 hectares) of land has been legally transferred.

Vega, a member of the Mexican government's cabinet, said the land was to be used by the Government's Secretariat for Communications and Transport for the express purpose of constructing the new Tulum airport.

In a separate interview with Mexican newspaper El Financiero on Monday, the Secretary for Communications and Transport, Juan Francisco Molinar Horcasitas, said that various European and international groups were interested in bidding for the Tulum airport project, which will be put out to tender next month.

Molinar said that the project was proceeding with a "good rhythm" and that important advances have been made in the development of the tender process.

The land handed over to the Federal Government is slightly larger than originally reported and the final legal hurdle has now been cleared, leaving the way open for the bidding process to begin.

The new Riviera Maya airport is expected to be able to handle 700,000 passengers in its first year, increasing to 3 million passengers in 5 years.

Local politicians and business people have said the new Tulum airport will provide an economic boost to the area.

Riviera Maya real estate prices in the area have already risen due to property investors showing strong interest now the airport is confirmed.

See the new airport's exact location on Google Maps.

Mexicans Follow Fashion Of Garbo and Monroe

This week, Ferragamo, an 81 year old Italian fashion brand that was a favorite of Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe, said their fastest growing major market is Mexico.

Sales are up by 30%, as wealthy Mexicans take the actresses' advice and buy more shoes and other fashion items from the top Italian brand.

Ferragamo's Chief Executive Officer, Michele Norsa, said the growth was "quite surprising. Mexicans are traveling less to the US, so they bought locally."

He added that the company's agreement for retail space in major Mexican chains means department stores across Mexico always have plenty of stock.

Norsa was speaking at the Milan Fashion Week, where Ferragamo attracted UK model Poppy Delevingne and ‘The O.C.’ actress Rachel Bilson to seats right next to the catwalk.

See our Retail Home Comforts section for more about shopping in Mexico.